Creamy Beef Pasta
A comforting dish combining tender penne pasta with a rich, creamy beef sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Can be substituted with any pasta shape
- 1 lb lean ground beef Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (around 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until your sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Combine cooked penne with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Notes
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley. Pair with a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.